Answering Your Questions About Freelance Writing Jobs

I have a ton of email to go through. Most of the email is positive requesting answers from which everyone in the freelance writing community can benefit. While I do offer some insight below each question, I hope the Freelance Writing Jobs community will jump in with their own take as well. You’re a thoughtful and experienced bunch, it’s time to help our fellow writers.

Hello,

I stumbled across your web site while searching for writing tips. Since I enjoy writing, I am thinking that maybe freelance writing would be a good way for me to enjoy my hobby (writing) and earn a little side money. Is there an age issue with freelance writing? I am in my mid 20s.

Thank you,
L.F

Hi L.F,

Anyone who can write can be a writer. Age doesn’t matter at all. In fact, if I remember correctly, actress Ally Sheedy published a book about Queen Elizabeth when she was 15 years old. Many freelance writers are in the 20’s. Don’t let your age stop you!

Good luck!

Deb

Hi Deborah,

I’m an international business student writing from Bangkok,
Thailand looking for some advices on freelance writing from you!
Where should I start? I happen to browse across
freelancewritinggigs.com and read the site’s page on you. I have a
huge passion for writing since I was a child, and being in Thailand,
english freelance writing is a great advantage. I would like to get
into this business but I honestly have no idea where to start! Advices
from you on what should I expect from this field of business, what are
customer’s expectations, what businesses should be approached for
this, how to determine charges, etc would be great. Any information
would be helpful.

Thanks so much Deborah,

N.K.

Hi NK,

Your English is pretty good, but I’d brush up on grammar and usage before taking on any freelance writing opportunities. Once you have a better command of written English, then go ahead an start applying for the jobs that most appeal to you.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress,

Deb

Dear Deborah

I came across the Freelance Writing Website due to an interest in the possibility of earning from my Writing. I have been writing for pleasure for many years but only recently seriously considered that I may be able to obtain some kind of work from home.

Apart from a word processing package on my laptop do you recommend any computer packages/courses for writers? I noticed something called blogging and wondered if there was any computer courses online aimed at Freelance Writers?

With regards to applying for jobs on your website, are the jobs advertised from reputable companies? This is all new to me and you will appreciate that I do not want to give out my personal emailing details unnecessarily.

I would appreciate it if you could offer me any advice.

Many thanks

PM

Hey PM,

There are plenty of free writing and blogging courses online, and also you can check out your local continuing education programs. I would take advantage of all the freelance writing and blogging resources available on the web. There’s a goldmine of information out there, for bloggers of all levels. Your local library also offers a wealth of knowledge. If you’re just starting out, I would recommend (with all due respect) some of the “For Dummies” books.

If you’re going to be a blogger, you’ll want to learn about the different blog platforms such as Blogger, WordPress, TypePad, Moveable Type and others. Different clients use different platforms. Also, you’ll want to read about the different types of writing for the web and tips for formatting, bringing in traffic and building community.

As far as the jobs posted at Freelance Writing Jobs, I hope they’re all with reputable companies. I do try and look them all over to make sure no stinkers get through. If they do, you can be sure the FWJ community will be all over it like white on rice.

Hope that helps – please let us know how it’s all working out for you!

Deb

Deb: I’ve recently begun freelancing. I’ve been twiddling my thumbs here in Dubai (long story), and I’d responded to an ad for freelance writers for a trade mag. As a lawyer, I’d published a few articles in trade magazines, bar journals and law reviews back in the States, so the regional pub here picked me up. They’re now going through some budget scrutiny on their freelance opportunities, but I’ve published three pieces with them in the last two issues with a few more in the pipeline.

I’ve wasted some time this morning trying to set up a blog where I can link to my clips, rather than just send them as attachments that often get kicked back. The clips are all PDF’s.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

J.B

Hiya J.,

I think setting up blogs and websites to use as a resume or to display writing samples is a terrific idea. Many clients don’t accept attachments because they’re afraid of viruses. By having an online profile, it will give your potential client the opportunity to browse your work at his leisure, and see a good overview of what you do. In fact, a link to this blog landed me plenty of opportunities.

You don’t need to be elaborate either. Blogs are free and a terrific way to showcase what you do.

Best,

Deb

Hi Deb,
I’ve been visiting freelance writing gigs for awhile now, and I’ve gotten a few jobs from the site, and from a couple others. My latest gig involved writing reviews for sazze.com for 3 bucks a review… they were 100 words or more each… I spent a tremendous amount of time busting out 100 reviews in about 3 weeks. I received a contract from them that I saved onto my computer. Long story short, the wording of the contract was a little funny, and I thought they would be paying me for my services on March 1st (I worked through the month of February) I asked the guy about my payment, and he said that my paid user info box had gotten messed up and that he tried to reset it, but that I might have to repost all my reviews (this site doesn’t let you copy and paste). I found my reviews and my paid user info box and asked him when I would get paid… he told me that I wouldn’t get paid March 1st, but April 1st. It’s 11:45 p.m. on April 1st… maybe he lives in California and it’s only 8:45 there, but what steps can I take to make sure that I’m not getting the run around? I’m writing to you, because I trust you and I know you have experience in freelance writing, and I hope that you can point me in the right direction. Thank you so much for everything you do for myself and others on your site.

H.B

Hi HB,

Wow. That sounds like a lot of work for $3 a pop. Here’s the thing, unless they specifically say they will pay you on the first of the month for the previous months work, most clients take 15 to 30 days to pay. Read over your contract so there is no mistake. I’ve never been a fan of badgering a client if they’re five minutes late on payment, stuff happens. After the client is overdue by a week, I’ll offer a gentle reminder and one every week for 30 days if there’s no response. After that I’ll take action (though that only had to happen once.)

Hope that helps?

Deb

Hello! Thank you very much for running your website! I am interested
in getting involved in some freelancing in order to make some extra
money as a college student. However, before I try to embark on my
first job I wanted to ask you how I can make sure that I get paid
after he job is finished. What steps can I take to ensure that my hard
work doesn’t go to waste?

M.Y

Hi M.Y,

Every freelancer takes a leap of faith, web content has changed the way we are paid and the way we do business. Back in the day we’d request 50% in advance and 50% upon completion. Now many clients won’t pay in advance. While we talk about online scams a lot, and we know they’re out there, the truth is very few writers are victims of scammers. Make sure you have a contract or some sort of writers agreement. Remember, even emails promising pay for work hold up in court. If you aren’t paid, fight for what’s due to you. Too many scammers get away with not paying their freelancers because they know they can.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Deb

Hello Deborah,

My name is Marco and I am an Italian looking to live in the United States of America.

I have lived 9 years in the United Kingdom, which is where my English skills come from. I stumbled across your website by chance and decided to drop a line. I have always liked to write, be it my own thoughts or really just anything in general, but have lacked the know-how and expertise to transform this passion into a potential career. Yes, I lack a formal education in the field nor do I have a chance to provide myself with one right now, if College is what we are talking about here. But I believe a man’s passion and drive can be more if not as powerful as his education in a subject. It surely can go a long way in replacing the latter.

This e-mail was mainly to enquire about the world of freelance writing, blog writing or writing as a career. I do not know much about it but wanted to hear, right from the horse’s mouth, if this is a path which you feel I could undertake and if so, which direction i should take.

I appreciate your time in reading this e-mail, especially in light of the fact that it’s coming from an unknown 22 year old with nothing more than a dream and a willing to write.

M.S.

Hi M.S,

I think anyone with a passion for writing can be a writer, regardless of background. I didn’t major in writing or literature and I manged a nice living as a writer. If you have the drive and talent it’s not beyond reach at all. Do some research first to learn about the opportunities available to you. Learn what editors look for, the different types of writing, the  different types of pay…and take it from there. If you love writing as I do, you’ll shine!

Good luck!

Deb

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